English
SuomiWhite noise vsviolet noise.
How the two differ, with levels measured band by band in Hush's own sounds.
- 9 bands, 2 to 12 kHz
- White static and Violet static
The short answer
White noiseThe bright colour. Every frequency carries the same power.
Violet noiseThe sharpest colour. Power rises by about 6 dB each time the frequency doubles.
In Hush, between 2 and 12 kHz, White static rises 1.6 dB per octave and Violet static rises 6.1 dB per octave. At 2 kHz Violet static sits 9.0 dB below White static; at 12 kHz Violet static sits 3.0 dB above White static.
Band by band
White static stands for white noise and Violet static for violet noise.
Band by band, in numbers
| Band | White static | Violet static | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kHz | −7.8 dB | −16.8 dB | −9.0 dB |
| 2.5 kHz | −7.2 dB | −14.9 dB | −7.7 dB |
| 3 kHz | −6.6 dB | −13.2 dB | −6.6 dB |
| 4 kHz | −5.7 dB | −10.5 dB | −4.8 dB |
| 5 kHz | −4.8 dB | −8.4 dB | −3.6 dB |
| 6 kHz | −4.2 dB | −6.7 dB | −2.5 dB |
| 8 kHz | −3.5 dB | −4.1 dB | −0.6 dB |
| 10 kHz | −3.8 dB | −2.5 dB | +1.3 dB |
| 12 kHz | −4.6 dB | −1.6 dB | +3.0 dB |
Levels are per octave band and relative to each sound's own overall level, so the chart shows shape, not loudness. Measured this way, pink noise is level, white noise climbs about 3 dB per octave and brown noise falls about 3 dB per octave.
How they sound
White noise sounds bright and hissy, like an untuned radio or a hard shower.
Violet noise sounds thin, airy and sharp, like steam or a fine spray.
Which to choose
Neither is better in general. Research does not show that one noise colour works better than another, so comfort is the guide: play each quietly for a few minutes and keep the one you stop noticing.
White static is free in Hush; its violet noise sounds are part of Hush Plus.
Related guides
Noise coloursGreen noiseGreen noise has no technical definition. What people usually mean by it, and how Hush's Green static measures against white and pink noise.
Noise coloursGrey noiseGrey noise is white noise reshaped so every pitch sounds equally loud. How that differs from pink noise, and what Hush's Grey static measures.
Noise coloursNoise coloursWhat each noise colour means, from brown to violet, which names have no strict definition, and how Hush's own noises measure.
SleepRain vs white noiseRain is darker than white noise and keeps moving. In Hush, Soft rain falls 4.4 dB per octave and White static rises 1.6 dB per octave.Other comparisons
Questions
Which is deeper, white noise or violet noise?
White noise. Between 2 and 12 kHz, Hush's White static rises 1.6 dB per octave and Violet static rises 6.1 dB per octave.
Is white noise or violet noise better for sleep?
There is no general answer. Research does not show that one noise colour works better than another, and what feels comfortable differs from person to person. Try both at a low volume and keep the one you stop noticing.
Is white noise or violet noise better for tinnitus?
Research does not establish that one sound is more effective than another, and evidence for sound therapy is limited. Some people prefer a sound close to the pitch they hear and others a sound well away from it. Have tinnitus medically assessed, and choose what feels comfortable.
